James Gilbarty is the kind of man who the Hoboken Board of Education needs. Raised in Hoboken, he loves this town and he is committed to giving back to the school system from which he gained so much. I had the privilege of being James’s first coach in his long athletic career, and I have watched him grow from a small, quiet kid playing third base to a successful businessman in New York City. Along the way, he worked at the Hoboken Recreation Dept., participated in the International Baccalaureate Program in high school, was a standout football player in high school, and at LaSalle University, volunteered to coach football at HHS, and was recently inducted into the Demarest/Hoboken High Hall of Fame. More recently, James was appointed as a regional vice president for a major investment firm in New York City.

While his accomplishments speak for themselves, the people of Hoboken should know James the man. He is trustworthy, good-hearted, family-oriented, and intelligent. As a product of our school system, he feels a deep sense of loyalty to our children and will make them his first priority. James is the breath of fresh air that the board needs, and he will honestly and diligently use his academic and professional skills to ensure that our kids are well served and have the tools necessary for success.

Finally, as a person who doesn’t usually write endorsements, I feel very strongly that the people of Hoboken need to know that James Gilbarty, the board candidate, is a very good man.